ironfisted

adjective

iron·fisted ˈī(-ə)rn-ˈfi-stəd

Synonyms of ironfisted next

next

1

: being both harsh and ruthless

ironfisted methods

2

: stingy, miserly

Word History

First Known Use

1599, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler

The first known use of ironfisted was in 1599

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

ironer

ironfisted

iron-free

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ironfisted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ironfisted. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

hobgoblin

Listen to the pronunciation of hobgoblin

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Popular in Wordplay

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Skibidi, Mog & More: Gen Alpha Slang

13 Wonderful Words That You're Not Using (Yet)